Cumberland County Guidance Center Serenity Trail

The Board of the Cumberland County Guidance Center, which provides recovery-focused mental health services to the community, conceived of a serenity garden. In collaboration with CU Maurice River it evolved into a nature trail that is open to people who use the facility and their caregivers. The path includes bird feeding stations, active bluebird boxes, and a water element. The Guidance Center staff and board, Boy Scouts, and CU volunteers have planted about 100 native trees on the site.

The dedication of the trail, which is about a mile in length and encircles the campus, took place in the fall of 2016. Clients, residents, and caretakers make daily use of this resource. The positive connection between mental health and time in the outdoors has been empirically proven (read NY Times summary). We plan to have other projects that will enhance the trail experience. If you are interested in helping out please call the office at 856-300-5331.

Upcoming Events

CU Maurice River’s first volunteer work party of 2019 will be held on Wednesday, February 27th at 10 a.m. We will meet at the Neighborhood Wildlife Garden (213 North Third Street, Millville) to cover the back half of the property with salt hay, clean-up any trash, remove brush, and plot out the perfect spot for the welcome sign. This will be in preparation for the community and school activities to be hosted at the garden in spring....

Chili Bowl – an evening of fun, food, and things to buy. This event sells out quickly, cost is $25 per person. For more information call the office at (856) 300-5331 or email at Doreen.Homan@CUMauriceRiver.org.

Get caught up on CU news at the bimonthly business meeting. Following the meeting, Dr. Chris Obopta of Rutgers University will present “Rain Gardens.” Presentation is open to all. If you would like to make a seed germination tray RSVP is required. Event cost is $10 and limited to 30 people.